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Referrals
Have a client who needs orthoses?
Submit a referral, request an appointment, or contact our team to discuss a client—we'll guide the next steps from there.
New to AbilityMade?
We are lower limb orthotic specialists working primarily in pediatrics. Whether you’re a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, exercise physiologist, paediatrician, or part of a broader care team, we work collaboratively with you and the families you support toward real-world movement, function, and lifestyle goals.
Our advanced digitally fabricated AFOs allow for design possibilities not achievable through traditional manufacture. They offer comfortable, supportive, and often lower-profile options that are more easily repeated or adapted as clients grow and engage in new activities. They also come in a range of fun colours for every personality and style!
Our innovation-led service model was co-developed alongside leading disability and therapy organisations. Clients can see us at a growing number of on-site orthotic clinics within reputable therapy and paediatric centres, aimed at improving access and ease of attending a clinic closer to them.
Collaborative multidisciplinary care
Advanced digitally fabricated AFO options
TGA-certified manufacturer since 2018
Winner of National Disability Awards across emerging technology, innovation and engineering
Research collaborations with major Australian universities
Want to refer someone?
Fill out the relevant referral form and we'll be in touch to arrange an appointment.
Want to be there for joint appointments?
Let us know in the referral form for your chosen location and we'll be in touch to coordinate a time.
Can't send full referral yet but want to get the ball rolling?
Request an appointment for the client.
HOW IT WORKS →
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Select "No" for "Are you the client", and select your role ("Physio / OT / Exercise Physiologist / Other Therapist")
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Select "Book an appointment"
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Provide any additional details required to book them in.
Once an appointment is made, we will request you provide a clinical referral. This assists us in preparing for the appointment and any follow-up reporting.
This also saves you filling out a full clinical referral when a client might not proceed to appointment.
HOW IT WORKS →
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Select "No" for "Are you the client", and select your role ("Physio / OT / Exercise Physiologist / Other Therapist")
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Select "Discuss my situation"
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Provide any supporting detail so we can be in touch to work things out with the client and/or you.
Want us to reach out to the client for a chat?
Submit an enquiry relating to the client.
Our Approach
We take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to orthotic care, working closely with you, the client, and their broader care team. This means we don’t just look at the device in isolation. We consider the client's goals, movement patterns, therapy plan, and day-to-day environment to guide decision-making.
By combining broader clinical input with our orthotic expertise, we’re able to design and refine devices that support real-world function. You are welcome to join appointments in person or virtually to align on care plans, progress and clinical decision-making. We keep you involved throughout the process where helpful, so we can work together toward the best possible outcome. We are always keen to chat about orthotics, so please reach out if you have any questions.
Anything Else?
Have other questions? Want to discuss a client case?
Contact the clinics team in your state:
New South Wales
e: clinics.nsw@abilitymade.com
p: (02) 5119 4276
Queensland
e: clinics.qld@abilitymade.com
p: (07) 2111 7577
FAQs
When should I consider referring for an AFO?
It may be worth referring for an orthotic assessment if you’re seeing:
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Reduced stability or alignment impacting function (e.g. crouch, excessive pronation, knee hyperextension)
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Gait inefficiencies such as foot drop, poor toe clearance, or reduced push-off
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Fatigue or reduced endurance with walking
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Delayed or limited progress in therapy despite appropriate intervention
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The need for additional support to help achieve specific movement or participation goals
Referral can also be helpful when you’re planning ahead, for example, to support a change in function, manage growth, or trial whether orthotic input may enhance outcomes.
If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to talk through a case and explore whether an orthotic approach might be beneficial.
What conditions might benefit from orthotic care?
Orthotic care may support individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), hypotonia, Prader-Willi syndrome, chromosomal disorders, idiopathic toe walking, trauma or nerve injury, as well as individuals with no formal diagnosis but clear functional mobility challenges.
How do I know which AFO is appropriate?
If you’re unsure, that’s completely fine—that’s what we’re here for. We always welcome your input in the referral, including any device suggestions alongside your clinical insights and movement goals. From there, we’ll complete our own assessment and prescribe what we feel is most appropriate based on the full clinical picture. We’ll keep you updated after the assessment, and we’re always happy to discuss the proposed approach with you before moving into fabrication.
Should I refer to a Podiatrist or Orthotist?
Refer to an Orthotist when a child or patient is experiencing movement, alignment, or stability challenges that may benefit from a custom brace or orthotic device. This can include presentations such as foot drop, ankle instability, knee instability, muscle weakness, spasticity, or fatigue during mobility resulting from a wide range of neurological, developmental, and musculoskeletal conditions where support is needed to improve function, reduce compensation, and help the body move more efficiently.If you’re unsure, drop us a line -- our team can help advise on the most appropriate pathway for them.
What happens after I refer a patient?
Once we receive your referral, we’ll organise an assessment and guide the client through the full process, from scanning and design through to fabrication, fitting, and review.
We aim to make the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your client, and we’ll keep you informed at suitable points along the way.
How long does the process take?
Once an assessment is completed, we can proceed to a scan / cast appointment to capture the limb shape and begin manufacturing. This can be scheduled as soon as the deposit is received. From there, manufacturing typically takes 4 weeks, so we are able to fit the orthoses one month after. A follow-up review is recommended approximately one month after fitting to check comfort, function, and make any adjustments if needed. Ongoing review frequency will vary depending on the client’s needs, goals, and any changes in function or growth.
Do you only provide 3D printed AFOs?
We provide both traditionally made and 3D printed AFOs based on what is best for your client.
Can I join my client’s orthotist appointment?
Yes. Where the client is happy to provide consent, we welcome joint appointments.
Just let us know which sessions you’d like to attend in the referral form, and we’ll coordinate a suitable time. You’re also welcome to join via video if that’s easier.
Are there opportunities to consult with the orthotist about my client?
Absolutely. For quick questions, feel free to email us. For more in-depth discussions, you can contact the relevant clinic to arrange a clinical case management call.
How do I know if an AFO is working as intended?
We look at more than just fit and alignment. Signs an AFO is working well can include improved gait efficiency, better stability, reduced fatigue, and progress toward therapy goals. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to review the device and discuss what you’re seeing clinically.
What if the AFO needs adjustments?
Adjustments are a normal part of the process. We review each device after fitting and make refinements as needed to optimise comfort, function, and overall performance. If anything changes or concerns arise, we encourage you to reach out so we can review and adjust as needed.
How often should an AFO be reviewed?
Review frequency depends on the individual, but regular check-ins are important—particularly for growing children or where function is changing. We can help guide appropriate review timing based on the client’s needs.